Brisbane’s mild winter is set to be measurably more exciting with the announcement of an early return of American Express Openair Cinemas on July 19 for a one-month season.
The outdoor movies will be taking up residence in a new central home, the City Botanic Gardens, and an impressive program of food and films has been revealed.
Film highlights include the opening night screening of the acclaimed musical biopic of Elton John’s life, Rocketman. Also in a musical vein is the irresistible comedy about life in a Beatleless world, Yesterday, from beloved screenwriter Richard Curtis (whose popular 2002 romcom Love Actually is getting a screening too).
Fans of costumed heroics will enjoy Men in Black: International, X-Men: Dark Phoenix and Spiderman: Far from Home, while family-friendly fare includes the live-action Aladdin, The Secret Life of Pets 2 and Toy Story 4.
Three Australian-made films are part of the Brisbane program this season: the inspiring documentary 2040 and romcoms Top End Wedding and Standing Up for Sunny. An 80th anniversary screening of The Wizard of Oz will showcase the timeless genius of this 1939 fantasy, while the quotable quotes will fly during a retro screening of Clueless.
Movies and pizza go together like Abbott and Costello (or should we say Hobbes and Shaw?), and the event’s new food partner for 2019 is Pizza Queensland Bros. A daily menu of woodfired pizzas, antipasto patters and salads will provide movie-going sustenance, while Giesen wines, 4Pines craft beer, Pimms and Enjoy Water will take care of the refreshments. Every Wednesday, attendees will be able to sample up to eight different Giesen Wines before they enjoy a romcom, and special Happy Hour pricing will help attendees upgrade to a bottle.
A festive atmosphere will take over the gardens every weekend with entertainment including live music and DJ performances before the movie. All screenings will be pet friendly too, so bring your pooch, or take the chance to adopt one during the movie every Friday (except July 26), with all proceeds going to RSPCA Queensland.
Seating options include air loungers, Kathmandu camping chairs and blankets, which can be hired online or onsite. Premium tickets to Prime Video Lounge include reserved seating on a comfy beanbag, service straight to your seat and a glass of wine.
As always, American Express Card Members are invited to enjoy the full VIP cinema experience by buying a ticket to the American Express Lounge. Benefits include your own bean bag, cushion and blanket and tasty treats. American Express Card Members also enjoy 15 per cent off selected tickets, complimentary blanket hire and access to the American Express Garden where they can enjoy sunset drinks and buy caramel popcorn.
Tickets start at $14 and are on sale now.